Recycling Chocolate

Just because a batch of truffles separates or is less then perfect that doesn't mean it has to be tossed out.  Here are a few ideas to help get the most out of leftovers and less successful experiments. 

What to do if the truffles separate badly 
This happened with my very first batch, at which point I swore I would never make truffles again. I didn't know that the butter could separate from the chocolate and form little pockets.  Now I know that the truffle mixture needs to be stirred while cooling.  I was very discouraged and at this point didn't know what to do.  Then my boyfriend came out of the kitchen a little later with a cup of hot chocolate.  It was wonderful! So if all else fails melt the truffles and add half n half!

There is no reason that you cannot just melt the truffle mixture again and add about a 1/4 cup of hot cream.  Just keep an eye on it and stir often to cool.  If you used the soft truffle recipe it might be better to add some nuts and or fruit to help firm up the mixture. 

Left over tempered chocolate.  After working so hard to temper chocolate you will not want to waste it.  If the dipping has gone well and none of the truffles have dissolved in the chocolate I use the remaining chocolate to make nut clusters.  I usually have a variety of nuts handy that I have already roasted.  I pour these into the tempered chocolate and then spoon onto a piece of waxed paper and allow to harden.

If the dipping did not go well and a truffle or two melted in the chocolate I make the chocolate into more truffles.  I estimate the amount of chocolate left but if you have a scale the pan could be weighed to get a better idea of how much is left.  Less then 1/4 pound I would probably make into hot chocolate.  If there is 1/4 pound or more left I use the opportunity to experiment.  For instance I once made a really soft truffle mixture and added almond flour to thicken it which made a lovely almond flavored truffle.  I've tried the same technique using ground coffee to thicken the mixture.  These did not go over very well but I thought they were delicious!